Hacked off with on line forums? Fed up with self proclaimed 'know it alls' posting comments that are as offensive as they are ill founded in fact? One of the problems in seeking comments on line is that too many people believe that they are  as funny as Top Gear's Jezza Clarkson. Jeremy may be opinionated and at times downright rude, but he has the saving grace that he knows his subject inside out, so when he takes a car or driver to task, there is generally a valid point being made at the time. Sadly the skills shown by Mr. Clarkson are not found in any noticeable degree elsewhere, despite the large numbers of people who post comments on line, in the vain hope that their bluntness  or just downright rude thoughts will somehow pass the test of being seen as funny as those heard on Top Gear.

Starting on the 1st Feb, a new approach to presenting and collecting personal views will be trialled on Bearfacemedia.

The intention is to establish 'First Beat' and 'Second Reach' as an informed and intelligent alternative to the other on line sites. The plan is for there  to be two major differences between this new thinking and the existing offerings. Firstly, 'First Beat' will be a well researched, tightly written regular column. The object of the exercise will be to give dinghy sailing back some of the 'voice' that has been lost in recent years. Yes, at times First Beat will be critical of what is seen as some of the growing ills, that are impacting on the sport, yet equally where praise is due, the intention is to ensure that the right people (and not just the headline superstars) get the recognition they deserve.

Second Reach on the other hand is where you, the readers, get your chance to comment. The difference here though is that your replies and comments will come first to a central clearing point, where it is hoped that 99% of all mails can just get uploaded straight onto the forum. In that way carefully thought out and considered responses will not get drowned out in the torrent of postings (often from people with a personal axe to grind), along the lines of "this product/boat or even person is rubbish because I think it is". It is NOT the intention to censor valid and constructive critical comments, but it is the view that a much greater degree of moderation will promote  and assist serious and open discussion. The close scrutiny that will operate on the site will aim to leave some of the more childish of comments where they belong - in the playground!